(1) Profuse bleeding during the process of the "change."
(2) Bleeding occurring between the regular menstrual periods.
(3) The reappearance of slight bleedings or hemorrhages after menstruation has ceased for a number of months.
These symptoms are always suggestive of the presence of conditions that should not exist. They may indicate cancer, or some less serious condition that is amenable to cure by prompt and efficient treatment. Inasmuch as they may mean the beginning of cancer,—as explained in the preceding chapter on cancer, and which should be read in this connection,—immediate steps should be taken to find out the actual facts. Delay means death if it is cancer, while the most recent statistics show that in many cases a complete cure is possible if the surgeon gets the case early.
Conduct During "Change of Life."—When a woman enters the "change of life" she is approaching a crisis that demands the most conscientious attention on her own part, and the sincerest consideration by all around her. She has reached the time of life when she owes herself something, and if she is wise she will willingly pay the debt. If she is not in good health she must make every effort to regain it promptly, even if radical measures must be employed in doing so. Nothing will contribute to her mental and physical comfort more than robust health during this period.
She must employ every hygienic measure that experience has taught us contributes to our well being. She must live an outdoor life as much as possible, taking sufficient exercise to keep the muscles and bodily functions in good condition. If she cannot exercise enough she should sit out of doors, dressed in seasonable clothing, and she should make up the deficiency in exercise by employing a competent masseuse. A thorough massage twice a week is sufficient. If her physician recommends an occasional Turkish bath it is a desirable aid as it helps the skin to throw off any excess of waste matter that may be circulating in the blood.
The home environment of these women should be congenial, and they should be relieved of the work and worry incident to domestic life. The nervous condition demands this degree of consideration, and the husband should make it his business to see that the wife, who has toiled to aid him during all the long years of married companionship, is accorded every possible help through the most trying and important period of her life. It is not to be understood, however, that she should be left without occupation. It is possible to indulge in congenial work which will occupy her time and attention without overtaxing her strength or fraying her nerves. A certain amount of amusement is desirable, and helps to tide over periods that might lag and encourage introspection and worry. An entire change of scenery and surroundings. A visit to the seashore or to the mountains is to be commended.
During this period the diet should be simple and the bowels should be kept open regularly. Inasmuch as these patients frequently suffer from digestive disturbances, it is wise to refrain from those articles of diet that ordinarily cause indigestion. Such articles are, sweet dishes, pies, pastries, candies, fresh bread, fried food, sugars, and the relishes and seasoning extras which constitute the et ceteras of the table. Meat should never be taken to excess, alcohol and all stimulants are to be avoided. Water may be taken freely to advantage.